Government agencies have joined forces for a one-day Youth Engagement and Programs Conference, as the first quarter of 2024 shows a promising decrease in youth offending.
Representatives from Queensland Police Service, PCYC, Department of Youth Justice, Project Booyah, Department of Education, Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Youth Co-Responder Teams and other agencies came together, sharing expertise and collaborating on early intervention and prevention strategies to reduce youth offending.
The forum included discussing current youth crime trends, program capabilities and prevention of youth crime through community-based partnerships.
From the efforts of Taskforce Guardian in assisting local police to track down recidivist offenders, to high-visibility police patrols under Operation Whisky Unison that aim to deter, disrupt, and prevent offending, frontline and specialist police continue to work hard to address youth offending.
Joint efforts in the early intervention and prevention space are also beginning to make an impact, helping re-engage young people with education, training, employment, and community.
Youth program Project Booyah helps at-risk young people address underlying issues contributing to their offending behaviour and operates in 11 locations across Queensland.
During 2023, 199 participants took part in Project Booyah across the state, with 84 per cent successfully graduating the course.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Massingham said the results were a promising step forward in addressing youth offending and keeping Queenslanders safe.
“Programs like Project Booyah, our Youth Co-Responder Teams and youth engagement programs with our partner agencies make small steps forward in the lives of young people every day,” Commissioner Massingham said.
“We know this is just the start and are committed to continuing to tackle youth crime from every angle alongside our partner agencies.”
Acting Superintendent Rob Fleischer said combined efforts in early intervention and prevention were making an impact across the state.
“Hearing of all the incredible work done across all agencies at today’s conference shows the dedication by all to intervene in the lives of at-risk young people and help get them back on track,” Superintendent Fleischer said.
“We know this is just the beginning of what will be a long road ahead of persistent efforts to reduce youth crime and keep our communities safe.”
“I commend every agency and service playing their part in early intervention strategies, as helping these young people means a safer community for all.”
